Social media activity has become second nature for brands, albeit some are doing it better than others. Beyond Facebook, Twitter and Google+, brands are tapping into their creative genius with Instagram and Vine, both of which provide platforms ripe for viral content.

Lego recently launched its own Vine channel with the help of social agency 1000heads, posting two videos each week across the brand's social networks. “The Lego brand has been part of playtime for over 81 years and we see social video as a way of inspiring our next generation of builders and creators,” Ambreena Budaly, Lego’s social media marketing manager, told The Drum.

Indeed, brands are using the photo and video platforms to not only push their own products and services, but to shed light on important partnerships and outreach programs. MLB has produced nearly 150 Vines so far, three quarters of which were produced in advance. The association has deals with this summer's Godzilla and Guardians of the Galaxy films, and is developing a public personality by producing both humorous and promotional spots.Continue reading...

Someday, everything will be narrated by Kevin Spacey: The Oscar winner's voiceover can be heard on Oakley's "A Story of Disruption" short documentary exploring the brand's philosophy and 40 years of product design. "Disruption" comes complete with a fancy-pants microsite, too.

Ford's Lincoln Theatrical Aspirations: Not only is it the signature sponsor of the Tribeca Film Festival, Lincoln Motors is producing its own film. The noir short Alethea follows actress Elsa Carette as she is transported through New York City in a Lincoln MKZ:Continue reading...

Each year, it seems SXSW (South By South West) gets more and more curious—and this year is no exception. Once dedicated to music, the 2014 SXSW festival, running from March 7 through 16 in Austin, Texas, now defines itself as "Music, Film, Interactive." Indeed, the festival has served as the launch pad for some of the market's most high-profile startups, including Foursquare.

Beyond that, SXSW is a potpourri of personalities, popular trends and brands vying for attention. Indeed, last year's extravaganza was a "feeding ground for viral campaigns and unique marketing stunts." This year? Well, you can expect more of the same—just amped up a few notches.

In fact, SXSW 2014 may end up being known for notoriety. None other than the world's most infamous whistleblower, Edward Snowden, will speak on March 10 via teleconference. He'll be conversing with Christopher Soghoian, principal technologist of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) "on the impact of the NSA's spying efforts on the technology community, and the ways in which technology can help to protect us from mass surveillance," according to the festival's site.Continue reading...

Here's Jimmy! As Fallon readies to take The Tonight Showreins from Jay Leno tonight, he's bringing not only a fresh outlook on nighttime entertainment but also some new interesting partnerships.

In its continued effort to broaden its brand appeal, General Electric has struck an unprecedented "multiplatform, integrated partnership" with the show in which it will sponsor in-show integrations with a segment titled "Tonight Show Fallonventions," in which the new host will feature three young inventors and their creations.

It’s a double-edged deal for the $140 billion B2B congolmerate that is looking to spread its wings beyond business and into the direct-to-consumer world. Indeed, the move can also be seen in GE's newest ad, which features a child describing in fantastical ways what the company does, from building "underwater fans powered by the moon" to "hospitals you can hold in your hand."Continue reading...